Why does an induction motor not have the maximum torque when it is locked

acmotor

In theory the maximum current induced at rotor must be when the rotor is locked hence the force is B.I.L it must produce the max torque.
But why torque is not maximum when it is locked but it is maximum at a point called breakdown torque?

Best Answer

Consider the equivalent circuit of an induction motor:

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Torque is proportional to the amount of power dissipated by the 'rotor running resistance' element, which varies as a function of slip.

To maximise torque, we must maximise the power dissipated in the rotor resistance. As per the maximum power transfer theorem, this occurs when the impedance of the 'load' (the rotor resistance) is equal to the resistance of the 'source' - meaning the equivalent impedance of everything else, seen looking back from the rotor resistance.

If the slip is zero (locked rotor) then the rotor resistance will be too low for maximum power transfer.

The book 1 by Sarma, section 7.4 Polyphase Induction Machine Performance, explains this in complete detail. Expressions for maximum torque, and speed at maximum torque, are given. I highly recommend this book as a comprehensive treatment of induction motor theory.

1 Sarma, Mulutkula S, Electric Machines - Steady State Theory and Dynamic Performance (1985)